Lincoln Street Bridge & Dam Improvements

Construction work to reconstruct the Lincoln Street bridge and construct a new dam on the Arkansas River south of Lincoln is slated to begin March 14. A public information meeting regarding the improvements is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday at the City of Wichita Central Maintenance Facility, 1801 S. McLean Boulevard.

The $13.7 million project is projected to be completed in late 2012. In addition to the bridge and dam, a boat and fish passage will be constructed along with enhancements to the east bank of the Arkansas River.

The first phase of the project will include construction of the east half of the new dam and bridge, new retaining walls, and the boat/fish passage along the east bank of the river. Construction work will require the closure of Lincoln Street to vehicular and pedestrian traffic, beginning in mid-June. Traffic will be detoured using Harry Street, McLean Boulevard and both Main and Market streets. Palisade will be permanently closed at Lincoln Street. The existing sidewalk on the east bank will also be closed during this phase.

The second phase of the project will include construction of the west half of the new dam and bridge, and partial reconstruction of the Lincoln and McLean Boulevard intersection. Lincoln will remain closed during this phase and McLean will at times be restricted to one lane of traffic in each direction. The existing bike path on the west bank will also be closed during this phase.